OutHudson’s 2018 Pride Weekend Events

“Superheroes” Theme for Parade and a Weekend Full of Events Will Support OutHudson’s Mission of Promoting Queer Awareness in Columbia County, NY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2018

CONTACT: Rich Volo Trixie@outhudson.com

HUDSON, NY: OutHudson, a 501(c)(3) organization, whose mission is to improve the quality of life and advance the visibility of LGBTQ people in Columbia County, announced today its weekend of events associated with the OutHudson Pride Weekend of events starting Thursday, June 14 through Sunday, June 18th. A highlight of the weekend will be Hudson’s popular LGBTQ Parade, which extends all of Hudson’s historic Warren Street, from the 7th Street Park to the end of Warren at Front Street. Volunteers and participating groups who wish to march are welcome fill out the participation form at www.OutHudson.com.

Sarah McBride, Grand Marshal, is a progressive activist and currently the National Press Secretary at the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization. Sarah first made national headlines when, at the end of her term as student body president of American University, she came out publicly as transgender in the student newspaper. She went on to intern in the Obama White House, the first openly trans woman to do so, and, after graduating from college, helped lead the successful effort to pass gender identity nondiscrimination protections in Delaware. In 2016, Sarah made history when she became the first openly transgender person to address a major party convention. Her moving new book Tomorrow Will Be Different chronicles her journey as a transgender woman, from coming out to her family and school community, to fighting for equality in her home state and nationally, to her heartbreaking romance with her late husband. sarahmcbride.com/about

Rich Volo, aka, “Trixie Starr,” OutHudson Director commented on the theme of “Superheroes,” stating: “It’s more important than ever to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community. Channeling our inner Superhero serves as a reminder to us all that the struggle for Queer Rights is not over. What’s more, nothing could be more fun than a town full of superheroes!”

John M. Schobel, OutHudson Director, echoed: “We want to thank our many sponsors, including Etsy, The Half Moon, Allstate Agent Timothy Berryhill, and the many private individuals and businesses without whose support this parade could not happen. We also are greatly indebted to our many volunteers, parade participants and OutHudson’s Advisory Board, led by Chris Maxwell Rose with Andrea Elliott and Rodney Dejong, and Scott Hotaling as graphic designer, and all our volunteers for their tireless work on behalf of both the parade and OutHudson’s outreach agenda. ”

Charlie Ferrusi, The Link Project Founder, OutHudson Director, commented on why pride in Hudson matters now more than ever, stating: “Since 2010, we have celebrated our local LGBTQ community here in Hudson, and we must continue to show up and resist the politics of hate that exist right here in our district. The future of our vibrant queer community relies on our ability to come together, from across generations, and support a new generation of leaders and “superheroes” here in Columbia County.”

Currently planned activities include (subject to confirmation and change).

All activities benefit OutHudson:

“When Katie Met Cassidy” event with author Camille Perri

Thursday, June 14 from 6-8pm
Spotty Dog
440 Warren Street
20% of all proceeds throughout the evening donated to OutHudson

OutHudson’s Warren Street LGBTQ Parade
Saturday, June 16 from 2-3pm
Warren Street
Free. Sign up at OutHudson.com. (line up by 1pm at the 7th Street Park)
Judging Area sponsored by Columbia-Greene Community College

Women’s Tea Dance – A Dance Party Hosted by Women for Women
Saturday, June 16 from 3-6pm
Sadhana Center for Yoga, 403 Warren St
$10 Suggested Donation
Join hosts Lauryn and Sondra for a friendly afternoon tea-dance in a welcoming environment for women to socialize and dance. No partner required. If dancing’s not your thing and you’d rather hang out, enjoy some refreshments, and chat, that’s fine too.

OutHudson is a registered not-for-profit formed to bring awareness of LGBTQ+ issues in Columbia County, NY. In addition to sponsoring multiple events throughout the year, it is the sponsor of the OutHudson Pride Weekend in Hudson, NY on the third weekend of June.